The 9 must-see attractions in Valais, Switzerland

Steep gorges, towering 4000m (13,100ft) peaks, and a majestic glacier define Valais.

Dominated by the iconic Matterhorn in the southwest of Switzerland, this canton is filled with Swiss treasures – envision stunning mountains, creamy AOP Raclette de Valais cheese, and playful St Bernard dogs.

This is where the legendary Glacier Express departs from Zermatt, embarking on a magical journey east through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges to St Moritz. Here, skiing enthusiasts tackle moguls the size of small cars on Champéry’s ‘Mur Suisse’ (Swiss Wall), while powder lovers leave fresh tracks in Verbier. Locals converse in both Swiss German in the east and French in the west, separated by the invisible Röstigraben (Switzerland’s language divide).

In summary: Valais encapsulates the essence of Switzerland, promising an unforgettable adventure like no other. Here are nine spots to include in your travel plans.

1. Zermatt

Top location for Matterhorn admiration

While it ranks among the most iconic mountain views globally, the first breathtaking sight of Zermatt's distinctive peak, soaring like a shark fin above the charming town, is truly unforgettable. From the moment you disembark the train (Zermatt is car-free), you find yourself repeatedly gazing upward, hoping for a glimpse of its 4478m (14,690ft) summit free of clouds. Beyond the Matterhorn, this sparkling Grand Tour destination enchants everyone—from summer hikers to fashionable skiers, families to couples enjoying a romantic getaway—with its rich Alpine history, stunning landscapes, upscale shopping, vibrant nightlife, and year-round glacier skiing. It is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Travel tip: Don’t miss the chance to take three cable cars to Klein Matterhorn (3883m / 12,740ft) – the breathtaking 360-degree views of 14 glaciers and over 30 peaks above 4000m (13,123ft) will amaze you, or ride Europe’s highest cogwheel train to Gornergrat (3089m / 10,135ft).

2. Sion

Ideal town for a weekend getaway in autumn

If you weren’t raised in Valais, you might not be familiar with this charming, fairy-tale-like town. French-speaking Sion sits nestled in the Rhône Valley, where its two castles have stood atop rugged hills since the 13th century, exuding medieval allure. Pair your visits to the town's four castles with a stroll through the quaint Vielle Ville (Old Town) and savor local white Fendant wine at traditional cafes reminiscent of la belle France. Sion also serves as a fantastic base for unique day hikes along Valais’ characteristic bisses—small canals ingeniously built between the 13th and 15th centuries to irrigate the steep, terraced vineyards around the town.

Travel tip: Plan your visit during the vendange in September, when grapes are harvested in the vineyards near Sion, leaves turn vibrant red, and chefs prepare dishes featuring chamois, venison, and other seasonal game. Purchase a Valais Wine Pass (Sfr49) at the Sion tourist office for 10 glasses of wine at tasting cellars across the region.

3. Verbier

Top resort for thrill-seekers

Another famous ski town in Valais, the upscale Verbier is compact, luxurious, and perfectly designed to impress. This is the destination where Europe’s elite descend to glide down the exceptional slopes of the 4 Vallées ski area, before mingling in exclusive lounges, high-end clubs, and lavish private chalets.

However, Verbier also has an adventurous side that draws thrill-seekers in large numbers. The free-riding here, with knee-deep powder, is outstanding—and the excitement continues into summer. From June to October, gear up with a bike, helmet, and protective gear to race through the Verbier Bikepark. The downhill mountain-bike park even features a competition track called Tire’s Fire for a reason.

Travel tip: Not feeling the intensity? Rent an e-bike or take it easy with a scenic ride by cable car to Mont Fort (3300m / 10,827ft), Verbier’s highest point. We highly recommend an early morning trip, when the sun casts a warm glow over the pink peaks.

4. Val d’Anniviers

Top valley for picturesque road trips

In Valais, it's easy to escape the hustle and bustle. Navigating this tranquil side valley’s winding roads by e-bike or car reveals geranium-adorned Alpine villages, quaint chapels, and mazots (larch-wood huts) that once stored the tools of farmers and vintners. Enjoy lunch with a Matterhorn view at Hotel Bela Tola in the village of St-Luc, a quintessential Swiss experience. You can also try your hand at baking bread in the village’s pain au four (bread oven), sample rare “glacier wine” straight from the barrel in a cellar up the valley in Grimentz (1553m / 5095ft), or relax in silky taupe mud and milk-blue glacial water at the Moiry Glacier.

Insider tip: During summer, hop on a bright yellow Postbus in Grimentz for a tour of the side valley in this charming 1940s open-top vehicle.

5. Aletsch Glacier

Top glacier for exhilarating ice hikes

Admiring this breathtaking natural wonder—the longest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has been a traveler's tradition since tourism began. In Valais, however, you can experience it up close without the throngs of visitors. The 20km (12.5-mile) glacier flows gracefully around Aletschhorn (4195m / 13,763ft), the second-highest peak in the Bernese Alps, and can be reached via cable car from the riverside village of Fiesch (2212m / 7257ft). For outdoor enthusiasts and those fascinated by the planet’s rapidly melting glaciers, a guided summer trek on the ice—secured to a guide and wearing crampons, while feeling the eerie rumbling of water flowing beneath your feet—offers an unforgettable experience. The same goes for ski-touring adventures in winter.

Travel tip: Reserve glacier hikes (for ages 10 and older) through the Aletsch Mountaineering Centre in Fiesch. No prior mountaineering experience is necessary—just solid footing and a decent level of fitness.

6. Bettmeralp

Top ski resort for a car-free experience

True to Valais' growing eco-friendly approach, this charming mountain village is accessible solely by cable car from the Rhône Valley below. Ascend to 1900m (6234ft) and find yourself in a fairytale setting with snowy streets, a quaint white chapel on a hill, children (or groceries) being towed on traditional wooden sleds along the main street, and absolutely no cars in sight. It’s the essence of Swiss Alpine fantasy. The Aletsch Arena offers 64 miles (104km) of gentle slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates, or for those simply wanting to soak in the stunning glacier vistas.

7. Furka Pass

Premier mountain pass for van enthusiasts

Famous for its thrilling car chase in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, the Furka Pass in the far northeastern part of Valais is Switzerland's ultimate alpine route. Established in 1867, it weaves through numerous treacherous hairpin turns and past the now-closed Hotel Belvédère, leading to Andermatt in central Switzerland. Adventurous road trippers can create an epic loop by including the Susten (2260m / 7415ft) and Grimsel (2164m / 7100ft) passes, making for a stunning 75-mile round trip, or venture south into the picturesque Ticino canton via the remote and rugged Nufenen Pass (2478m / 8130ft).

8. Martigny

Top town for culture enthusiasts

A visit to Valais’ oldest town and French-speaking capital reveals why the Romans chose to stay here while crossing the Col du St Bernard to Italy. Beyond its unattractive modern district, Martigny features a stunning Roman amphitheater, terraced vineyards, and a charming medieval center. The town's premier art museum showcases sculptures by Rodin, Henry Moore, and other contemporary artists, while the views from its 13th-century hilltop château stretch impressively down the Rhône Valley. The highlight? The Barryland museum complex and kennels, dedicated to celebrating Switzerland's adorable and beloved St Bernard dogs.

Planning tip: In Martigny, Sundays in March mark the beginning of cow-fighting season, where Valais’ esteemed Hérens cows engage in traditional head-butting contests to claim the title of “queen” among the cattle.

9. Sierre

Premier town for wine aficionados

Vineyards adorned with châteaux rise majestically above the quaint town of Sierre, marking either the beginning or end of the Sentier Viticole (Vineyards Trail). This 3.7-mile route is flanked by two wine museums: Sierre’s Musée Valaisan de la Vigne et du Vin housed in the 17th-century Château de Villa, and the Weinmuseum in Salgesch. The trail is peppered with informative panels detailing the pinot noir vines and the exquisite wines they produce. You can embark on the walk in either direction, with both endpoints situated about half a mile from the train stations in Sierre or Salgesch.

Planning tip: For a stylish conclusion to your journey, stop in Sierre at the Oenothèque wine cellar within Château de Villa, where you can explore 630 varieties of Valais wines and enjoy a meal featuring five different local Raclette cheeses.